Anshei Mitzvah: Adult B’Mitzvah

Congrecation Shaare Emeth’s Exciting New Adult B’Mitzvah Program:

Anshei Mitzvah

Adults of all ages are invited to embark on a sacred journey of learning and discovery culminating in a milestone ceremony you might have missed in childhood. Gathering together weekly, participants study Hebrew, explore Jewish traditions and texts, and reﬂect on their personal relationships with faith and tradition. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow spiritually in a joyful community of new learners and friends. You can still fully participate even if you had a B’Mitzvah as a child!

Join our reimagined Adult B’Mitzvah program, Anshei Mitzvah, to learn, study, and reﬂect in a nurturing and inspiring class where self-discovery meets community. Anshei Mitzvah means People of the Commandments, demonstrating that age is never a boundary to studying, learning, and accomplishing.

Joining Cantor Warner will be master Hebrew teacher Carol Rubin, and the Shaare Emeth Clergy Team. We will study Hebrew, Torah, liturgy and prayers, customs, traditions, and much more.

The class will meet on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 11 a.m. when Religious School is in session beginning on October 12, 2025. The Anshei Mitzvah – Adult B’Mitzvah Ceremony will take place at Congregation Shaare Emeth on Friday evening, February 12, 2027. The fee for this 16-month class is $450. Payment plans and scholarships are available.

For questions or to register for the class, contact Stacy Jespersen or Cantor Warner.

Anshei Mitzvah At-A-Glance

Sundays from October 12, 2025 – February 7, 2027
9:15 – 11 a.m.
At Congregation Shaare Emeth
Anshei Mitzvah Ceremony on Friday, February 12, 2027
Tuition of $450 for 16-month class
Taught by Cantor Warner, Carol Rubin, and the Shaare Emeth Clergy Team

Made with ❤ with Elementor

ABOUT

Madeleine Elkins & Harvey Wallace

2025 Harris Frank Community Service Award Honorees

Madeleine and Harvey have been cherished members of Congregation Shaare Emeth since 1996. Shortly after their wedding, they began “shul shopping” and quickly found a spiritual home at Shaare Emeth—a community whose warmth and values resonated deeply with them. Since then, they have become pillars of both the congregation and the broader St. Louis community.

Madeleine Elkins built a distinguished 45-year career in the corporate world, with leadership roles in medical supply distribution and law firm financial management. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Madeleine has always made time for meaningful volunteer work. She served on the board of the St. Louis Breast Cancer Coalition and was part of the organizing committee for the JCC Senior Olympics in its early years. Her dedication to Jewish community life is evident in her service on various committees for the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, including co-chairing the 2017 L’Chaim Event. In 2022, she and Harvey co-chaired the JCC’s J’la gala, raising vital funds for scholarships. At Shaare Emeth, Madeleine is a compassionate member of the Caring Committee, and in 2025, she joined the board of the American Jewish Committee, continuing her lifelong commitment to advocacy and service.

Harvey Wallace is a trailblazer in the accounting world and a passionate community leader. In 1973, he co-founded Brown Smith Wallace, a firm that grew to become the 77th largest CPA firm in the United States, with 340 team members at the time of its 2021 merger with Armanino LLP. He now brings his expertise to Private Fiduciary Solutions. Harvey’s professional success is matched by his extraordinary record of community service. He has held leadership roles on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation of St. Louis (where he served as Chairman from 2015 to 2017), Jewish Family Services, The Magic House (Chairman, 2013–2014), Wyman Center, and the Chancellor’s Council at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. His civic engagement also includes board service with the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the St. Louis Community Foundation, and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center. Harvey has been a dedicated member of the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer and was honored with the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants Outstanding Public Service Award.

Madeleine and Harvey are blessed with two sons and daughters-in-law, Brad & Elizabeth Wallace and David & Melissa Wallace, and four grandchildren Emma (23), Katie (19), Miriam (13), and Aaron (11).

Together, Madeleine and Harvey exemplify the spirit of generosity, leadership, and compassion. Their decades of service have touched countless lives and strengthened the fabric of our community. We are proud to honor them with the 2025 Harris Frank Community Service Award.